RHA

The RHA collection is the latest advancement in dermal fillers—RHA stands for Resilient Hyaluronic Acid. These unique fillers contain hyaluronic acid gel and are designed to mimic the natural hyaluronic acid produced by the body. Developed in Switzerland and popular throughout Europe, the RHA line of fillers is only available at select practices.

The RHA Collection includes 3 different types of filler—RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4. Each of these fillers is specially formulated to treat different areas of the face:

• RHA 2 is designed to treat surface lines and wrinkles including vertical lip lines, radial cheek lines (those that fan out from the mouth when you smile), glabellar lines (a.k.a. the “elevens”), and crow’s feet.
• RHA 3 works best for treating deep wrinkles and creases, such as nasolabial folds (the deep lines that run vertically between the nose and mouth) and the corners of the mouth. It can also be used to volumeize the lips and midface and smooth the cheeks.
• RHA 4 is designed to treat the deepest lines and folds, namely those along the lower face and jawline. It is also effective at contouring the cheeks to create the appearance of high cheekbones. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which RHA filler is right for you; during your consultation I can help you determine which filler is best for your aesthetic goals.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which RHA filler is right for you; during your consultation I can help you determine which filler is best for your aesthetic goals.

Many sources consider RHA fillers to be “clean” because they require less processing than traditional HA fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane, making them more akin to the natural hyaluronic acid Many sources consider RHA fillers to be “clean” because they require less processing than traditional HA fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane, making them more akin to the natural hyaluronic acid (HA) produced in our bodies. As a result, people tend to be less reactive to RHA, as the body perceives it as less foreign. However, since RHA fillers are still chemically formulated, we like to think of them as a “clean-er” family of fillers—and the purest currently on the market.

Hyaluronic acid is a common component in most dermal fillers, including Restylane and Juvederm. The RHA collection is unique because it is the only hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler approved by the FDA for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles, which develop over time due to repetitive facial expressions, such as smiling, laughing, frowning, and squinting. These types of wrinkles are difficult to treat effectively with traditional gel fillers because they often cause your skin to appear stiff or unnatural when making facial expressions.

Unlike other dermal fillers, the hyaluronic acid in the RHA collection is gently processed with fewer chemical modifications. This process helps preserve the natural structure of the hyaluronic acid, making it nearly identical to the hyaluronic acid produced by your skin. As such, the RHA line of fillers stretches and easily adapt to your facial movements. This results in a softer, more natural look while your face is in a resting position and when laughing, smiling, or frowning.

RHA fillers are designed to enhance facial volume and help your skin appear more youthful. These fillers are used to enhance the natural shape of your lips and can fill and contour your cheeks. They’re also designed to treat mild-to-severe dynamic facial wrinkles and folds, including:

• Expression lines around the mouth
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin lines

The number of injections you receive depends on the size of the treatment area. A typical treatment session takes about 30 minutes. Since there is not a significant downtime or recovery period, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities immediately after your treatment session. However, it is recommended that you refrain from strenuous activity for 24 hours. As with any injections, you might experience some mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but this is only temporary and will subside after a few days.

Your results from RHA cosmetic fillers are immediate, and you’ll continue to see noticeable results over the next several days as swelling diminishes. The hyaluronic acid in RHA is designed to adapt to and move with your facial movements, so you won’t have to worry about having a stiff or unnatural appearance when making facial expressions.

Since the hyaluronic acid in the RHA collection closely resembles the hyaluronic acid made by your body, it takes longer for the product to break down. This helps you enjoy natural-looking results that last longer than traditional fillers, with results lasting approximately 15 months.

You’ll need to receive another treatment after this time to maintain your more youthful appearance. Your dermatologist will design a treatment plan that best meets your specific goals, and you can schedule your next treatment session as needed.

For the ultimate nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, RHA fillers can be combined with Botox to reduce wrinkles, plump up tissues, and smooth skin. Botox can even enhance the effects of RHA fillers: since Botox temporarily limits movement in the area it’s injected, it can help your RHA filler last longer. If you decide to combine your RHA fillers with Botox, we may perform both injections during the same visit, or inject Botox first and plan a follow-up visit for you to receive your RHA fillers (so we can see the Botox take effect first). 

Aside from the face, RHA fillers can also be used to plump and hydrate skin in the neck, décolletage, and even the hands. It is especially effective at treating the “crepey” skin (named after its resemblance to crepe paper) that people often develop due to age, sun damage, and hormonal changes.

Yes, like HA fillers, RHA fillers can easily be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase.